11 Uses Of Silica Gel Sachets

Even though silica gel is not toxic in itself, other components are sometimes added to enhance its effect. These, on the other hand, can be harmful.

Do you want to know more about silica gel sachets? In this article, we offer you some alternative uses.

Although it is unfamiliar to us,  silica gel is a very common product in our lives. For example, it is common to find it in small bags of permeable paper in our shoe boxes or bags.

Because we do not know what they are used for, we tend to ignore the presence of these sachets, or even throw them away directly after our purchase. Silica gel is a granular, porous form of silicon dioxide made synthetically from sodium silicate, a water glass compound.

In this sense,  the porosity of this material ensures that the product arrives in perfect condition at its destination,  because you never know how it will be transported or stored.

However, the manufacturers recommend removing them from our bags or wallets once the product is purchased. This is because silica gel sachets are fragile and can break.

A little history on silica gel …

Silica gel has been known since 1640 in the scientific community. However, although its uses have been varied, it was patented by chemistry professor Walter A. Patrick in 1919.

For example, this product had been used in the cruel gas chambers of the First World War, where it served to absorb gases and vapors.

During World War II, silica gel was used to keep penicillin dry and in good condition.  Therefore, we must thank him for saving many lives.

What are the other uses of silica gel sachets?

Silica gel is a desiccant that can be recycled. And therefore used for many things around the house.

You should know that the gel is not toxic in itself. What sometimes happens is that it contains certain toxins like cobalt chloride in order to enhance its effect. These added substances are harmful.

However, the silica pearls that we find here have a transparent and whitish color, while the color of toxic substances is blue and turns pink when hydrated. In all cases, when the gel beads contain this product, the sachets must carry a toxicity warning. Let us see below the different options offered by silica gel.

To dry flowers

Imagine a magnificent and incredible flower that you want to keep, either for its properties or for its beauty. You can cover it with silica gel for this. Make sure it is completely submerged then wait 2 or 3 days (never more than 5 days).

To keep the money in good shape

As we already know,  silver tends to darken with ambient humidity. This is completely avoidable by placing a bag of silica gel inside our jewelry box.

To protect photos from the passage of time

Paper photos can deteriorate over the years. This can be avoided with a sachet of silica gel.

To prevent bad odors from wet bags

When we go to the pool, the beach or the gym, we put our wet clothes inside our bag. Which can generate a bad smell inside this bag. To avoid this, you can place a sachet of silica gel in it.

To preserve metal parts

Moisture acts on the metal by creating an oxide layer  which deteriorates and destroys the instruments. Just put a few sachets of gel inside to prevent the metal from getting damaged.

To store and preserve seeds

Seeds can go moldy with moisture… Unless we store them with silica gel.

To dry our cell phone

• Sometimes our electronic devices get wet. In this case, we usually place them in rice. However,  it can generate dust. Silica gels perform the same function of absorbing moisture, but they will not generate dust.

Other uses of silica gel

• Prevent condensation inside the car,  just put a few sachets of silica gel inside
• Some cat litters are made with this gel, due to its strong absorbing effect
• Keep food in perfect condition, provided the gel does not contain any added toxicants. However, be careful not to ingest these gel beads.
• Protect the lenses of our cameras so that they do not get damaged

For all these reasons, it is a good idea to keep these silica gel sachets and to reuse them. As you can see, they are very useful and can save us time and time again.